BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Install continuous rigid foam insulation or insulated siding to help reduce thermal bridging through wood- or metal-framed exterior walls.

Install continuous rigid foam insulation or insulated siding to help reduce thermal bridging through wood- or metal-framed exterior walls.

Image

The vertical Z-bar passes lengthwise through the sheathing and forms a significant thermal bridge through the insulation to the steel wall studs; it should be avoided

The vertical Z-bar passes lengthwise through the sheathing and forms a significant thermal bridge through the insulation to the steel wall studs; it should be avoided

Image

Advanced Framing: Insulated Corners

Guide

Guide describing how to frame and insulate corners to reduce heat losses and gains though structural framing.

Continuous Rigid Insulation Sheathing

Guide

Guide describing continuous rigid insulation installation procedures to reduce thermal bridging and help provide thermal protection.

Are the Walls Closing In?

Are the Walls Closing In?

Presentation

Webinar describing research on moisture performance in high-R walls.

Wrong – Insulated sheathing seams should align with framing members

Wrong – Insulated sheathing seams should align with framing members

Image

No insulated sheathing seams are visible from the inside during framing

No insulated sheathing seams are visible from the inside during framing

Image

Right – Continuous rigid insulation has been installed

Right – Continuous rigid insulation has been installed

Image

Right – Rigid insulation is being installed with cap nails

Right – Rigid insulation is being installed with cap nails

Image

Insulated sheathing has been taped and sealed at seams

Insulated sheathing has been taped and sealed at seams

Image

Wrong – Rigid insulation is being installed without cap nails

Wrong – Rigid insulation is being installed without cap nails

Image

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Proper flashing around windows is especially important when the rigid foam serves as the drainage plane in the wall

Image

Rigid foam insulated sheathing placed exterior to house wrap, interior to house wrap, or take the place of the house wrap

Image

Right – All insulated sheathing boards are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommended fastening schedule and taping specifications

Right – All insulated sheathing boards are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommended fastening schedule and taping specifications

Image

Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

Wrong – If the insulated sheathing will serve as an air barrier and drainage plane, any cuts and seams must be taped or sealed.

Image

Wrong – A visible gap in the insulated sheathing introduces unwanted outside air, creating a thermal bypass and encouraging convective air flow

Wrong – A visible gap in the insulated sheathing introduces unwanted outside air, creating a thermal bypass and encouraging convective air flow

Image

Wrong – When insulated sheathing is installed correctly, you should not see daylight. Nail holes were also left unplugged.

Wrong – When insulated sheathing is installed correctly, you should not see daylight. Nail holes were also left unplugged.

Image

Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

Right – Structural insulated sheathing can provide racking strength (lateral load resistance), and serve as an air barrier and thermal barrier if installed according to manufacturer’s specifications with taped, sealed seams

Image

Lay out the rigid foam sheathing joints so they do not align with the window and door edges

Lay out the rigid foam sheathing joints so they do not align with the window and door edges

Image

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

With a quality installation, tape can last a long time

Image

Two layers of XPS are installed with staggered seams over a liquid-applied membrane on the structural sheathing

Two layers of XPS are installed with staggered seams over a liquid-applied membrane on the structural sheathing

Image

Use flashing tape to seal around any pipes or vents that penetrate through the foam

Use flashing tape to seal around any pipes or vents that penetrate through the foam

Image

Wrong – Either this tape was not pressed down firmly or the surface was wet or dirty so the tape is not sticking properly even during construction.

Wrong – Either this tape was not pressed down firmly or the surface was wet or dirty so the tape is not sticking properly even during construction.

Image

Technology Solutions Case Study: Preventing Thermal Bypass

Case Study

Case study describing techniques used to prevent thermal bypass in new homes.